One of WR’s first volunteer efforts to improve the health of the river was the River Guardian Program. Started in 2001 this program involves individuals who adopt a stretch of river to conduct observational monitoring and learn how to identify and report river problems. River Guardian volunteers are often riverside landowners, boaters, park and greenway users and others interested in the health of the Willamette.
Over the years, the focus on this program has shifted in order to expand other monitoring efforts, but WR still relies on dedicated volunteers and other concerned residents to bring issues to our attention. This allows us to work with volunteers to follow up and assure actions are taken to resolve issues. Actions taken vary on the issue but all aim to assure that environmental laws in place to protect our river are being enforced on a local level.
Possible issues of concern include erosion, discolored water, trash, and riverbank disturbances. Others might involve proposed developments or local land use decisions with the potential to impact water quality to riverside habitat. For a better idea of what river issues to look out for, who to contact to resolve issues, or to report an issue to Willamette Riverkeeper, download the following documents.
Observation Program Manual: Background, Laws & Issues
River Issues - Report Form
River Issues – Who to Call first
